When the cold winds started to blow, I wanted something warm. I found cheese tortellini and diced tomatoes in my pantry. I made my favorite creamy tomato tortellini soup.
With a few fresh ingredients and herbs, it tasted like my grandmother’s cooking. The smell filled my home in 30 minutes. I couldn’t wait to eat it.
This recipe is loved by many, with over 778 votes and a 5-star rating. It’s perfect for adding warmth and flavor to dinner.
What is Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup?
Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup is a mix of rich flavors and soft textures. It has creamy tomato soup and cheese-filled tortellini. It’s great for family dinners or a cozy night.
Fresh herbs like basil and rosemary make the soup taste better. Heavy cream makes it creamy, making each spoonful special. This soup is loved for its family recipe feel.
It has ground Italian sausage for protein and flavor. Tomatoes and chicken stock make the base. It smells amazing and feels like a warm hug.
This soup is perfect for feeding your family. It’s big enough for four, perfect for talking and laughing. It smells great, making your kitchen feel cozy.
It’s easy to make your own version. You can add greens or try different tortellini. It’s a favorite in every season, warming everyone up.
Ingredients for Homemade Creamy Tomato Soup
Making homemade creamy tomato soup is fun. You need the right ingredients for a tasty base. A creamy tomato basil tortellini soup is my favorite. It’s perfect for family dinners or a cozy night.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you need for a tasty tortellini soup:
- 1 medium onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 28 oz can diced tomatoes
- 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 4 cups chicken stock
- 20 oz three-cheese tortellini
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup shredded parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil for garnish
These ingredients make the soup smooth and flavorful. The heavy cream makes it creamy and rich.
Personal Touches and Variations
I like to add my own touches to the soup. You can add spinach or zucchini for extra nutrition. Italian sausage or red pepper flakes can add flavor. For vegetarians, use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.
Feel free to change the recipe to suit your taste. You can stick to traditional or try new flavors. Here are some nutritional facts:
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Servings | Total Calories per Serving |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 minutes | 37 minutes | 8 | 409 kcal |
| Calories from Fat | Total Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium |
| 209 kcal | 23.2g (36% DV) | 75mg (25% DV) | 1611.1mg (70% DV) |
| Carbohydrates | Dietary Fiber | Sugar | Protein |
| 23.6g (8% DV) | 4.2g (18% DV) | 7.2g (8% DV) | 26.1g (52% DV) |
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup
Making tortellini soup is fun. I mix vibrant flavors in each step. This makes a creamy cheesy tomato tortellini soup loved by all.
Preparing the Base
First, I heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a big pot. Then, I add 0.5 large onion, chopped, and sauté it with 3 cloves of minced garlic and 3 stalks of chopped celery. Cooking them for about 4 minutes makes them soft and flavorful.
Next, I mix in 2 cans of fire-roasted diced tomatoes and 4.5 cups of low-sodium chicken broth. I let it simmer for about 25 minutes. Then, I add 1 cup of half and half or evaporated milk for creaminess. I also stir in 1/4 cup of flour to thicken the soup.
Cooking the Tortellini
Now, I add 16 ounces of refrigerated tortellini and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender. I stir often to prevent sticking. Before serving, I add 1 cup of freshly grated parmesan cheese for extra flavor. A sprinkle of fresh basil on top makes it look great too.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive Oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Onion | 0.5 large, quartered |
| Garlic | 3 cloves, minced |
| Celery | 3 stalks, chopped |
| Fire Roasted Diced Tomatoes | 2 cans (14 ounces each) |
| Low Sodium Chicken Broth | 4.5 cups |
| Half and Half or Evaporated Milk | 1 cup |
| Refrigerated Tortellini | 16 ounces |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1 cup, grated |
| Butter | 3 tablespoons, unsalted |
| Flour | 1/4 cup |
| Dried Basil | 1 tablespoon |
| Dried Oregano | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Red Pepper Flakes | A pinch |
| Black Pepper | To taste |
The Benefits of Using Fresh Ingredients in Tomato Tortellini Soup
Using fresh ingredients makes my homemade creamy tomato soup taste better and be healthier. Fresh tomatoes give it a rich flavor that canned tomatoes can’t match. Heirloom or vine-ripened tomatoes add a special taste to my creamy tomato pasta soup.
Adding herbs like basil and parsley makes the soup brighter and more nutritious. Fresh herbs taste stronger than dried ones, making the soup taste better and healthier. Fresh tomatoes also boost my immune system, which is great for family meals.
Using fresh onions and garlic makes the soup smell amazing. They add a crunchy texture that makes the soup look good too. Every ingredient in my creamy tomato pasta soup works together to make a comforting dish.
Here’s a quick breakdown of the nutritional benefits of the main fresh ingredients used in the soup:
| Ingredient | Calories | Vitamin A (IU) | Vitamin C (mg) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medium Roma Tomato (1) | 22 | 292 | 7 |
| Medium Onion (1) | 44 | 0 | 7 |
| Garlic (1 clove) | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Basil Leaves (5 leaves) | 1 | 65 | 0 |
| Carrot (1 large) | 30 | 11,000 | 7 |
Choosing fresh ingredients for my creamy tomato pasta soup makes it taste better and be healthier. The effort I put into using fresh produce is worth it. It makes the soup a favorite in my kitchen.
Tips for Perfecting Your Tomato Tortellini Soup Recipe
Making a tasty creamy tomato basil tortellini soup needs careful attention. Start with the right ingredients. The kind of tortellini and herbs used can make a big difference.
Choosing the Right Tortellini
Choose fresh or refrigerated cheese tortellini for better taste and texture. Fresh tortellini cooks fast and adds a burst of flavor. Brands like Buitoni or Rana make great tortellini for this soup.
I use 24 oz of cheese tortellini. It’s about 15% of the total soup. This makes a big batch that serves up to 10 people.
Enhancing Flavor with Herbs
Fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and rosemary make the soup taste better. Use dried herbs during cooking for a strong base. Add fresh herbs later for a bright garnish.
I mix 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This combo adds a rich, comforting flavor. It’s a secret to making a soup that everyone loves!
| Ingredient Type | Fresh/Quality Recommendation | Usage in Recipe |
|---|---|---|
| Tortellini | Fresh Cheese Tortellini (e.g., Buitoni) | 24 oz for texture and flavor |
| Herbs | Fresh Basil, Oregano, Rosemary | Add at cooking stages and as garnish |
| Tomato Base | Crushed Tomatoes, Tomato Paste | 4.5 lbs total for rich flavor |
| Dairy | Heavy Cream and Parmesan Cheese | Enhances creamy texture |
Best Creamy Tomato Soup Cooking Methods
There are three great ways to make creamy tomato pasta soup or tortellini soup. You can use the stovetop, slow cooker, or Instant Pot. Each method changes how the soup tastes and feels.
Stovetop: Cooking on the stovetop lets you control the heat well. It helps the flavors mix better. You can stir and add spices as it cooks. It takes about 30 minutes, great for a quick dinner.
Slow Cooker: The slow cooker is easy if you don’t want to spend much time cooking. Just put everything in the crockpot and let it cook on low for 6-8 hours. It makes the soup rich and comforting.
Instant Pot: If you’re short on time, the Instant Pot is fast. It cooks creamy tomato tortellini soup in about 15 minutes. It keeps the flavors deep and is perfect for a quick meal.
Each method has its own good points. Stovetop gives you control, slow cooker is easy, and Instant Pot is quick. Try them out to see which one you like best!
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Tortellini Soup
Enjoying creamy cheesy tomato tortellini soup is better with the right sides. A good side dish makes the meal even better. It adds new textures and tastes that go well with the soup.
Pairing With Side Dishes
I like to serve my creamy tomato soup with special sides. Here are some of my favorites:
- Crusty Garlic Bread: This classic pairing is crunchy and contrasts well with the soup’s smoothness.
- Fresh Side Salad: A light salad with greens, tomatoes, and tangy dressing refreshes your taste. It balances the soup’s richness.
- Crostini: Thin baguette slices toasted with butter and Parmesan are a great choice. They add flavor and crunch.
- Steamed Green Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans are healthy and colorful. They add vitamins and contrast to your meal.
Adding these sides makes my creamy cheesy tomato tortellini soup even better. It’s perfect for dinner at home or with friends. The soup and sides together create a great dining experience.
| Side Dish | Description | Pairing Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Crusty Garlic Bread | Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside, infused with garlic butter. | Adds texture and enhances flavor. |
| Fresh Side Salad | Mixed greens with vibrant vegetables and vinaigrette. | Balances richness and adds freshness. |
| Crostini | Toasted baguette topped with butter and Parmesan. | Provides crunch and a savory bite. |
| Steamed Green Vegetables | Nutritious options like broccoli or green beans. | Adds color and health benefits. |
Storing and Reheating Your Leftover Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup
After enjoying a delicious bowl of homemade creamy tomato soup, you might have leftovers. It’s easy to store them for later. Just put the soup in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for 3-4 days. This keeps the flavors good and stops it from going bad.
To reheat your tortellini soup, use the stovetop. Simmer it gently, adding broth or cream if it gets too thick. This way, the tortellini stays soft. Don’t microwave it unless you have to, as it can change the soup’s taste.
If you want to freeze the soup, do it before adding the tortellini. This way, you can keep the soup base for up to a month. When you’re ready, thaw the soup and add fresh tortellini. This keeps the soup’s texture nice.
| Storage Method | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerate | 3-4 days | Store in an airtight container |
| Freeze (soup base) | Up to 1 month | Do not add tortellini before freezing |
| Reheat | N/A | Simmer on stovetop; add broth or cream as needed |
By following these easy steps, you can enjoy your homemade creamy tomato soup and tortellini soup again. They’ll taste just as good as the first time. Happy cooking and enjoying!
Why Homemade Creamy Tomato Soup is Better Than Canned Varieties
Making my creamy tomato basil tortellini soup is very rewarding. It’s much better than canned soup. Canned soup often has too much salt, which hides the real flavors.
My homemade soup lets me control the salt and use the freshest ingredients. I use sweet San Marzano tomatoes for a better taste.
Using good ingredients makes each serving taste richer. San Marzano tomatoes make the soup deeper and more comforting. I love making it because I can add my own touches.
It makes about 8 servings, perfect for many meals. I can share it with friends and family too.
Simmering the soup for 30 minutes blends the flavors perfectly. Adding fresh herbs and heavy cream makes it richer than canned soup. Homemade soup is healthier and tastes better.
